Newcomer among trio whose Village Board wins oust incumbent LaPean

Challenger David Antoine emerged from Tuesday’s election as the newest Grafton village trustee and ousted a longtime incumbent in the process.

Antoine, who was making his first try at public office, joined incumbents Richard Rieck and James Grant as the top vote getters in a four-candidate race for three seats.

Losing a re-election bid was Ron LaPean, who had served on the board since 2002.

Rieck led the field with 2,053 votes, followed by Antoine with 1,713 and Grant with 1,686. LaPean received 1,480 votes.

“I was confident, but you never know how it will come out,” said Antoine, a 26-year village resident who has been active with a variety of local organizations, including the Grafton Lions Club.

“Being the new kid against three incumbents, it was all up in the air.”

Antoine, who has also served on the Grafton Library Board and Grafton Holiday Events group, cited his role as a civic leader during his campaign. He said he would work to maintain the village’s current level of services despite state-imposed budgetary constraints by finding “more efficient waysDavid Antoine to do what we do.”

“I think people who know me know that when I step into project, I get involved all the way,” Antoine said. “I had the support of those people.”

Rieck and Grant are both longtime board members, having been trustees since 2005 and 2003, respectively.

Grant’s election in 2003 marked his return to the board after a long previous tenure. He served as a trustee from 1976 to 1987 and as village president from 1987 to 1991.

Village President James Brunnquell was unopposed in a re-election bid Tuesday. He received 2,470 votes.

All Village Board members serve two-year terms.

In the Town of Grafton, two supervisors and the chairman were elected without opposition in bids for two-year terms.Jim GrantIncumbent supervisor Stephen Schaefer received 893 votes, and newcomer Karron Stockwell got 867 in her first try for public office.